bird

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 鳥 denotes a bird; its on-reading is ちょう, and its kun-reading is とり.
• Basic usage: Standalone 鳥 refers to a living bird, while 鳥肉 refers to poultry or chicken as food.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 鳥 / 鳥肉
  • 鳥: Read as とり, this basic noun refers to the living animal. Example: 青い鳥が庭の枝に止まった。
  • 鳥肉: This word refers to poultry or chicken as an ingredient, including in instructions to cook it thoroughly. Example: 鳥肉は中心まで十分に火を通してください。